Retro Video of the Week: "Dear Mama" by 2Pac

This coming Saturday will mark the 25th anniversary of the release of 2Pac's third studio album, Me Against the World, which is not only considered a defining hip hop album, but has also been included on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of the Definitive 200 Albums of All Time.  Me Against the World debuted at #1 on the Billboard album charts -- where it would stay for four weeks -- making 2Pac the first artist to ever have a #1 album while in prison.  It has since been gone triple platinum in the U.S.

If you were in college in the mid to late '90s, this album and 1996's All Eyez On Me were ubiquitous.  For me, both albums immediately remind me of my freshman and sophomore years, whether it was coming from another dorm room or blasting at a fraternity party.

The biggest hit off the album was "Dear Mama" -- a heartfelt homage to 2Pac's mother and the struggles he had growing up.  It was hit first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #9, and it also went to #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles and Hot Dance Singles charts, and #3 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart.  And to think, a mere 18 months later, he would fake his own death and retire to the secret island owned by Amelia Earhart, Elvis Presley, and Jim Morrison.